Chain and Sprockets

Hey guys, I was just wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a chain and sprocket, or if there was a set that is the best bang for the buck?

 

R&K gold with OEM sprockets is the way I went. found the deal via the inter-net then showed it to my local dealer, guess what they beat it.

 

I get my aftermarket sprokets here. nice assortment.
http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/

 

I found a good deal at indysuperbikes.com for my rear sprocket (Vortex CAT5 black aluminum-45T) for $58. Went to kneedraggers.com for my chain (DID ZVM Premium X-Ring 530 black/gold) for $149 and my front sprocket (AFAM 15T) for $22. You can go 16T/43T for the same price on both the vortex or the AFAM if you want to stay with stock numbers.

 

Thanks for the the info. Also, how much better do the steel sprockets hold up compared to aluminum?

 

I haven't put enough miles on my aluminum sprocket to see any wear yet- (less than 300 miles), but I have heard differing opinions on aluminum sprocs. Most people will say they don't last as long as the steel, but I've seen other posts saying they hold up fairly well. Just depends on how much long-distance traveling you do. I keep my rides anywhere from a couple of miles to around 200. I'll need and new seat before I go on too long a ride.

 

I just replaced my stock steel rear sprocket on my 5th gen. It had 12k miles on it and it really looked almost new. Anyway I went to an aluminum because I wanted to change the ratio and save the weight. I will be very happy if I get half the life out of the alum.one, eddie

 

Aluminum: Steel
2:1

alloy wears fast!!

 

sprocket

On bikes where the sprocket is large outside diameter and small inside diameter I would recommend aluminum to save weight/mass. But on a VFR the sprocket is basically a narrow ring with a very large inside diameter...not much weight there to save. I would go with steel.

 

I'd go with the OEM sprockets -my bike still has the original set and at nearly 37K miles they will see out another chain.

 

Speaking of chains -

I gotta do mine this winter - but the only chains that are available (read:safe) for the VFR are the riveted master-link style. I can't justify the huge $$$ for a tool that I'll use once or twice, but would rather do the job myself than pay a stealership to do it for me...

Is there a SAFE way to do the master link without the tool?

Is there an inexpensive tool that does the job?

HELP!?!

 

How 'bout changing the chain and sprockets yourself and then load the bike in a truck to the shop and have them rivet the link? How much could they possibly charge to only rivet the link? $20?

That said, my thoughts on tools are once its in the roll away you forget all about that it cost you $80 after awhile...and its there when you need it.

 

Saw an ad in one of the bike mags the other day for titanium sprockets, anyone have any experience there? Or any material engineers that could say what the pros and cons would be for going with Ti over Steel and Aluminum?

can't remember the website now -- hate that

 

Don't know if these are any good, or if any other company is making them in Titanium, so I am definately not trying to shill for them, but here is the one I saw advertised the other day
http://www.sidewindersprockets.com/

 

I just purchased a RK 530 Gold X-Ring chain with a drop tooth(15 I believe) front sprocket from parts unlimited, and a sunstar stock tooth (43 I believe) rear sprocket. The new chain feels incredible, it makes the bike feel like a whole new bike, and the drop tooth front once again makes the bike feel like a whole new bike. The bike just wants to gooooooooo off the line now, and the top speed and gas mileage difference is very negligible. As far as aluminum and steel for the sprockets, I look at it this way. Switching to aluminum is going to save you, what, a pound???? Its not worth the extra money or longevity. You cant tell me that aluminum will not last as long as steel.... The only reason to switch to aluminum is if you are going to build a bike strictly for racing where every single pound counts. For the average street bike its just not worth it. My 2 cents, stick with steel and get a drop tooth front sprocket, you won't be disappointed.....

 

I just ordered an RK gold chain and sproket kit from motorcycle pro shop in Sacramento. It's a stock geared 530 X-ring. Local shops want from $214 to $223 for the kit or separates batched. I gave $144.88 with $5 shipping and $2 handling = $153.88
If you have a good local aftermarket shop, they'll lend or rent you the tool. My local place gets $13 for the tool, which is the way I'm going. Those things cost from $80 to $120. I won't see enough chains to make up rental cost.

VT - You'd be in the same boat I'm in. The part # is RK1076900WG. Gold kits only come with steel sprokets, hence the lasting performance "WG", waranted gold. Check some shops for tool rental or sizing the chain outright. Couldn't cost more than you save getting a good price on-line! BTW stock count is 112.

 

Vlad -

Got a link or a phone # to this place in Sac-Town?

You said "The part # is RK1076900WG", is this the part you paid $154 for?

 

I was just checking my chain this morning and saw that it had way too much slack, and I am at the extreme end of the adjustment. It seems that everyone suggests changing the chain and sprocket at the same time, my question is: do you replace both the front and rear sprockets, or just the rear one?

Is this the kind of kit you guys are talking about:
http://www.mc-land.no/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=MBPS/PROD/hms/RK1086980WG

Thanks,
Mel